Two pastors from different backgrounds have emerged as key allies for Springfield, Ohio's Haitian migrants amid President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown. Reginald Silencieux, pastor of First Haitian Evangelical Church, grew up in rural Haiti, while Carl Ruby of Central Christian Church was raised in Michigan. Both have united to support the community after Trump falsely accused Haitians of eating pets in 2024.
The pastors offered shelter in their churches, held prayers and peaceful protests against the rumours, which led to dozens of bomb threats at schools, government buildings and homes. Ruby and Silencieux were also targeted but continued their work, providing legal aid, food, Creole worship services and English classes. They have demanded an extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians.
Silencieux, a former attorney in Haiti, moved to Springfield in 2021 to help the growing Haitian workforce. Despite not speaking English and leaving his family behind, he hosts the Haitian Community Help and Support Center in his church. Ruby, formerly a Republican evangelical, became active after a 2023 bus crash involving a Haitian driver sparked racist comments at a city council meeting.
Both pastors face ongoing fear in the community after a federal judge ruling to keep TPS temporarily led to death threats and bomb threats. Silencieux advises congregants to stay home and prays for Trump, acknowledging the president's limitations. 'God is unlimited,' he said. Viles Dorsainvil, executive director of the Haitian centre, praised both pastors as great leaders and champions of migrants.
